Faribault City Council Member Choose 3
As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for City Council
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://candidates.goodparty.org/kameron-gustafson
telephone
5074123751
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590032497610
Campaign Email
kamerongustafson@outlook.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I've spent my entire life in Faribault. I've seen our community grow, evolve, and overcome challenges. That perspective helps me understand that people have different priorities depending on where they are in life. I'm not interested in politics. I'm committed to serving the community that has always been home for myself and my family. I care deeply about preserving what makes Faribault special while preparing for the future.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
1. Transparency - Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, how tax dollars are spent, and how they have a voice in shaping the future of Faribault.
2. Resources & Trust - Invest in resources for all resident types.
3. Economic growth - Support local businesses, attract investment, create opportunities while preserving character & quality of life. Make smart investments today to prevent bigger problems and higher costs for future generations.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
I plan to actively seek input from residents with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. I want to meet residents where they are—at community events, neighborhood gatherings, local businesses, schools, and civic organizations. I don't believe every resident will agree on every issue, but everyone deserves to feel heard and respected before decisions are made.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
My goal is to help build trust by ensuring residents know what's happening, why decisions are being made, and how they can participate in the process. Residents shouldn't have to attend every meeting to understand what's happening in their city. Transparency and accountability are about more than making information available—they're about making government understandable, accessible, and responsive to residents.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.nataliehalverson.org
telephone
5078380961
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588180536652
Campaign Email
votenataliehalverson@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am deeply rooted in Faribault, where I have lived and served for 27 years. With nearly 30 years of experience in public health, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and community health improvement, I have built trusted partnerships, managed complex budgets, and led successful strategic initiatives. My work has addressed critical issues including housing, education, food insecurity, mental health, healthcare access, substance use prevention, transportation, safety, and overall quality of life. I excel at understanding how these interconnected challenges affect residents and creating collaborative, effective solutions. I will bring this expertise, collaborative approach, and community health perspective to Faribault City Council.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
1. Community Partnerships & Quality of Life: I will champion parks & recreation, youth & schools, downtown vitality, and health access
2. Smart Growth & Responsible Investment: I will promote responsible growth that builds a strong tax base, creates good-paying jobs, ensures accountability, and protects our natural resources
3. Stability, Affordability & Community Trust: I will focus on affordability, fair budgeting, and transparent leadership to keep Faribault livable and welcoming for all
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
As a City Council member, I will actively engage Faribault’s diverse communities by ensuring all voices are heard and respected. Drawing on my experience as a health educator and community engagement leader, I have built trusted relationships with cultural groups, nonprofits, and businesses not only in Faribault, but across the region. I will leverage these partnerships, prioritize inclusive outreach, and facilitate solutions that respect different perspectives.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
I will champion transparency and accountability by leveraging my experience in local government and nonprofit program management. I will work to better understand current systems, measures of success, and opportunities for improvement. I support creating accessible channels for resident input and ensuring prompt, professional and courteous follow-through. I will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements through clear expectations, performance evaluation, and tracking return on investment.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.facebook.com/KatieHoward.Faribault/
telephone
2534680751
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/KatieHoward.Faribault/
Campaign Email
KatieHoward.Faribault@outlook.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I bring proven leadership experience and a strong record of delivering results in public service. As a senior leader with Hennepin County, I’ve led complex, often politically sensitive work by bringing people together, finding common ground, and following through. I approach decisions thoughtfully, with a focus on long-term impact and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Just as important, my family chose Faribault as the place to call home, and I'm invested in this community. I will lead with integrity, listen to community members, and work hard to ensure city government is effective, responsive, and focused on what matters most.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top priorities are responsible growth, strong infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility. Faribault must grow in a way that respects its history and character while also planning for the future. We need to invest in aging infrastructure and core services that impact daily life. Just as important, we must use taxpayer dollars wisely, focusing on long-term financial and operational stability - ensuring we meet essential needs before expanding into “nice-to-have” projects.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
I believe it starts with showing up and listening. I want to hear from people early, not just after decisions are made. That means asking questions, being present in the community, and taking the time to understand different perspectives. Good representation is about making sure decisions reflect real needs, and I’ll work to ensure community members feel genuinely informed, heard, and part of the process.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Transparency means being clear and honest, especially when decisions are tough. I’ll make sure community members understand not just what decisions are made, but why. This includes communicating early and explaining trade-offs. Accountability means following through, using taxpayer dollars responsibly, and sharing updates so people can see how decisions are working out in reality.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590258548589
Campaign Email
lexitempleforcitycouncil@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I don’t have experience in politics, but I do have experience in living out my core beliefs that basic human rights are a necessity and must be protected. Through my work in healthcare I have witnessed seniors unable to afford treatment, parents struggling to take off work or find childcare to get their kids to the doctor, and inaccessibility for those requiring interpretation or accommodation. As a council member, every decision I make will be through the lens of inclusion, accessibility, health and safety for all members of the Faribault community.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top concerns are preventing Data Centers from being built in our community, making housing affordable for all, and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Despite a large public resistance to Data Centers, the plans continue to move forward. The voices of our community must be heard and represented. Cost of living continues to rise, and housing instability is a threat to both personal safety and public economy. Every community member matters, and deserves our government's service.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
I plan to platform diverse voices and learn from experiences that are different from my own. One of my favorite things about Faribault is it's diversity in people, foods, and cultures. I personally seek out diverse books, media, and content creators in order to better learn and increase my cultural humility. As a white person I cannot truly represent all of the community, but I plan to use my platform to allow the opportunity for all voices to be heard.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
I will directly answer questions to the best of my ability. Stepping into politics will be a learning experience for me, and my own growth will be better fostered through genuine conversation. It is in my own best interest to operate with transparency and accountability, as this will improve my ability to understand the needs of the community. I hope that my disposition will inspire the same level of candor in others to create an open, honest environment in city government.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.